Unity calls, ILP demand mark UCM anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 03 2012: Calls for peaceful co-existence of the ethnic communities and demand for introduction of Inner Line Permit system in Manipur marked the 12th foundation day of the United Committee Manipur (UCM), which was celebrated today at its Lamphelpat office premise.

In his address as the chief guest, Manipur's titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba exhorted UCM functionaries and affiliated bodies to continuously work for maintaining communal harmony and peace.

Reminding that no amount of effort would be able to protect Manipur's emotional and territorial integrity if fraternal relationships between the indigenous people could not be safeguarded, Sanajaoba advocated effective measures to protect identity of all the ethnic communities settled in Manipur.

Emphasising that the concept of hegemony or enmity against one another should be banished for such attitude acts as a deterrent in bringing about emotional integrity, the chief guest asserted that unity of the people would be the most potent weapon to defeat sinister schemes of disruptive elements.

Candle being lit to mark the anniversary of UCM

Conveying fear that the indigenous people of Manipur would be diluted in case influx of migrant workers and outsiders into Manipur are not tackled in an effective manner, the titular king pledged his support to the ongoing movement for implementation of the ILP system.

For expeditious implementation of the ILP system in Manipur there is need for contribution from every section of the society, particularly the State's intelligentsia, Sanajaoba said.

Further highlighting that Manipur's unique history of various indigenous communities co-existing peacefully since ages is a gift of the forefathers' joint and concerted combat against adversary forces, he also termed demand for homeland or separation from Manipur as a betrayal of the forefathers' spirit and vision.

Presenting the presidential address, UCM president Yumnam Nabachandra highlighted the Committee's endeavour and commitment for egalitarian growth and development of all the indigenous communities.

Referring to the UCM motto of 'peace, unity and integrity' and stressing on unified movement to face all eventualities, he hailed the people for their undying spirit to protect and uphold emotional and territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost.

observing that vibrancy and spirit of civil society organisations seem to be gradually waning, Nabachandra proposed that consultative meetings be held to provide fresh impetus in the endeavours of civil society organisations.

according to UCM advisor RK Ranendrajit myriad hardships besetting people of Manipur is due to prolonged deprivation of political and social freedom.

Expressing that exchanging votes for money at the time of elections is one of the factors for the Manipuri society unable to collectively overcome and resolve various niggling issues, he stated that rather than mere observance of obituary events, assessing pitiable condition of the masses and consequent pro-active movements are need to herald positive changes in the society.

speaking at the occasion, IPSA president Elangbam Johnson regretted that while threat from NSCN-IM on Manipur's territorial integrity still persist some other groups had been insisting on homeland demand.

To prevent disintegration of the Manipur every civil society organisations need to maintain high vigil and contribute their mite for protecting the emotional and territorial integrity, he said and pledged support to any movement for protecting the indigenous communities of Manipur.

Presidents of UPF BM Yaima Shah, NIPCO Sunil Karam, AMKIL Indrakumar Ningomba and Kanglamei Leirik Leima also attended the UCM anniversary celebration, which commenced with its general secretary Joychandra Konthoujam highlighting events that led to the formation of the Committee.

In the aftermath of the public movement against the ceasefire without territorial limit agreement between the Government of India and the naga rebel group NSCN (IM) followed by the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, the UCM was formed with the representation of various social and student bodies on July 3, 2001 .